On Tuesday this week,  SAMA AI was host to Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, alongside Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, Kenya’s Principal State Department Secretary of ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, among other dignitaries. 

This visit not only underscored SAMA’s pivotal role in Kenya’s economic landscape but also highlighted its commitment to empowering the nation’s youth and fostering entrepreneurship.

The tour was not a simple routine visit but rather, a look at one of the organisations in Kenya committed to progressing the country’s economy and digital transformation.

Founded over 15 years ago on the visionary principles of the late founder, Leilah Janah, SAMA has been a cornerstone of Kenya’s growth trajectory. The organisation has provided formal employment opportunities to over 7,000 Kenyans and impacted more than 65,000 lives through digital skills training and direct employment.

During the tour, President Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed had a chance to witness the innovative spirit of the Give Work Challenge – a business plan competition designed to uplift low-income entrepreneurs in Kenya and Uganda. 

The two had the opportunity to engage with some of the competition’s participants, who showcased some forward-thinking business ideas that will one day solve challenges and drive transformation. 

During the tour, President Ruto also highlighted his government’s plans to bolster investment in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector. This strategic initiative includes the establishment of more than 1,400 ICT hubs at the constituency and ward levels nationwide—a move aimed at accelerating the entrenchment of a skills-based economy.

Speaking at the tour, President Ruto emphasised, “Our intentional investment in ICT infrastructure will ensure that we turn Kenya into a skills-based economy.” This sentiment was echoed by Wendy Gonzalez, Chief Executive of SAMA, who unveiled plans to enhance the organisation’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) investments in the East and Horn of Africa region.

As Kenya enters a new era of digital and economic transformation, SAMA stands as a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of meaningful work. President Ruto and Prime Minister Ahmed’s visit not only reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to supporting initiatives like SAMA but also highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in driving Kenya’s digital revolution.